US Army Launching $36 Billion Plan

The US Army is launching a historic $36 billion modernization effort that aims to equip each of its ten active-duty divisions with 1,000 advanced drones, marking the most significant military overhaul since the Cold War.

Quick Takes

The Army’s $36 billion transformation plan will deploy approximately 10,000 drones across all active-duty combat divisions within two years.
This major overhaul is directly influenced by lessons learned from drone warfare in Ukraine.
Funds are being redirected from legacy programs like Humvee procurement and some Apache helicopters.
The initiative aims to counter China’s growing military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region.
Three brigades have already received new drone systems, with the remaining 30 expected to be equipped within two years.

The Largest Military Transformation Since the Cold War

The US Army has embarked on its most ambitious modernization effort in decades, committing $36 billion over the next five years to fundamentally transform its combat capabilities. This overhaul represents the largest restructuring of Army equipment and tactics since the late 1970s and mid-1980s when the military introduced the “Big Five” weapons systems that included the Abrams tank and Apache helicopter. The current transformation focuses heavily on incorporating advanced drone technology, AI-powered command systems, long-range missiles, and expanded drone countermeasures into standard combat operations.

Three brigades have already received the new drone systems, with plans to equip the remaining 30 brigades within the next two years. Each of the Army’s ten active-duty combat divisions will receive approximately 1,000 drones, dramatically increasing surveillance capabilities and strike options.

FULL DRONE INTEGRATION PLANNED FOR ARMY

The US Army plans to significantly upgrade its integration of drones in the coming years via the “Army Transformation Initiative.”

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Lessons from Ukraine’s Battlefield

The Army’s transformation plan has been significantly influenced by the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where inexpensive drones have proven highly effective for both surveillance and attack missions. Ukrainian forces have demonstrated how relatively low-cost drone systems can challenge even sophisticated military equipment when deployed strategically. This validation has accelerated the Pentagon’s shift toward incorporating more unmanned systems into its arsenal. The Army has been carefully studying these battlefield tactics and incorporating them into its modernization strategy.

However, recent cold-weather tests conducted in Germany revealed significant technical challenges, including battery failures in extreme conditions. The Army is also investing heavily in counter-drone systems and electronic warfare tools, recognizing that potential adversaries are developing similar capabilities. An important aspect of this initiative is avoiding Chinese components in drone production to prevent security vulnerabilities.

Balancing Budget Priorities

The $36 billion transformation plan requires careful budget management, with funds being redirected from legacy programs rather than requesting increased appropriations. This approach involves divesting from older systems like Humvee procurement and reducing the acquisition of some Apache helicopters. By building what a memo from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth calls a “leaner, more lethal force,” the Army aims to maximize combat effectiveness while optimizing resource allocation.

Other military branches are taking different approaches to modernization. The Marine Corps, for example, has eliminated its tank fleet in favor of mobile missile teams better suited for operations in the Pacific theater. These varying strategies highlight how each service is adapting to evolving threats while maintaining their unique operational focuses.

Strategic Focus on China

A primary driver behind this massive modernization effort is the perceived long-term threat from China’s growing military capabilities. The initiative directly supports the Pentagon’s broader strategy of deterring Chinese aggression in the Indo-Pacific region while maintaining the ability to defend American interests globally. By investing in advanced technologies and more adaptable force structures, military leaders aim to maintain America’s competitive edge in an increasingly complex security environment. The drone-centric approach represents a significant tactical shift that could redefine how the Army operates in future conflicts.

The transformation not only involves equipment changes but also requires new training protocols and tactical doctrines. As these advanced systems are integrated into combat units, soldiers will need to develop new skills and adapt to different operational concepts.